History of Hothouses
The concept of a hothouse or greenhouse --- an enclosed structure in which to keep plants --- dates back at least to the time of the ancient Romans. Throughout history, greenhouses have been used to extend the growing season, to grow non-native plants and to protect plants from heat and cold. Does this Spark an idea?
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Earliest Hothouses
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A special plant house called a "specularium" was constructed in ancient Rome around 30 A.D. so that the emperor Tiberius could have cucumbers year-round. Since glass was not yet invented, sun reached the plants through translucent sheets of mica.
Botanical Greenhouses
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French botanist Jules Charles designed the first true greenhouse. Built in Holland in 1599, the structure largely held tropical plants used for medicines, according to the website Hobby-Greenhouse.com.
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Victorian Greenhouses
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The golden age of the greenhouse occurred in the mid-1800s. Taxes were repealed on window glass, making it commonly available. The conservatory at Kew Gardens in England represents the typical Victorian greenhouse.
American Greenhouses
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The first American greenhouse, used mainly to grow fruit, was built by Boston merchant Andrew Faneuil around 1737. Although originally built for the rich, greenhouses gradually became more simple and affordable.
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References
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